2014 Moto Guzzi V7 - First Look (2024)

FAQs

How long do Moto Guzzi engines last? ›

Traditionally Guzzi engines last a very long time. Many would say that 15k miles is just about run in nicely! There's lots of very high mileage Guzzis out there and I know some owners are concerned the V7 mileometer can't read higher than 99,999 so at that point they will have to buy a new speedo!

Additionally, keep some free play in the clutch cable to prevent it from dragging or not disengaging fully. Moto Guzzi clutches can last 20K miles (if you're extremely rough on them) or well over 100K miles with care and maintenance.

Owners of previous versions rave about the reliability and finish of their bikes, the only grumbles being about the rear shocks – which are improved on the 850. Our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 owners' reviews show two very happy buyers who haven't had any problems whatsoever.

Established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy, the company is noted for its historic role in Italy's motorcycling manufacture, its prominence worldwide in motorcycle racing, and industry innovations—including the first motorcycle centre stand, wind tunnel and eight-cylinder engine.

It's a transverse V-twin engine -- like the ones used on all Guzzis -- and as such has a large, single-plate dry clutch and shaft drive. In fact, it's the only middleweight ADV bike to offer shaft drive, since even shaft-drive-loving BMW went with a chain on its F-series.

Overheating: Overheating is a common issue faced by Moto Guzzi owners, especially in hot climates or during long rides. This could be caused by a variety of factors, such as a malfunctioning cooling system or a clogged radiator.

Guzzi parts are robust and easy to work on. It's not hard to get to most of what you'll need to be working on, and the parts are generally well enough built that there are few throw-away things on the motorcycle. A Guzzi is reliable. If you're squeamish about taking this obscure motorcycle on a long trip, don't be.

Moto Guzzi's motorcycle factory is located in Mandello del Lario, Italy. As a small town on the shore of Lake Como, its residents have so embraced the company that they've officially named it, “La Citta della Moto Guzzi”—the city of Moto Guzzis.

Today, very few manufacturers fit dry clutches as standard to their motorcycles, with notable standouts being BMW on some of their dual sport bikes, and classic Italian manufacturers like Ducati and Moto Guzzi.

On average, a motorcycle clutch can last between 20,000-60,000 miles or two years. However, depending on additional factors, such as a motorcycle clutch not being well-maintained or your motorcycle being used to perform stunts, a motorcycle clutch will not last more than 5,000 miles.

What year is the Moto Guzzi V7? ›

1967: SEIMM (Società Esercizio Industrie Moto Meccaniche) takes over the management of Moto Guzzi. The V7 703 cc with 90° twin-V is produced. 1971: The V7 Sport, a sports bike destined to enter history, is launched.

The Moto Guzzi California name has adorned generations of bikes aimed squarely at the US market dating back to the early 1970s, but since 2020 the name's been conspicuously absent from the company's lineup following the demise of the 1,380cc “Big Block”–powered machines in the face of tightening emissions rules.

SPORTY IN LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE

The Arrow exhaust takes the Moto Guzzi V7 Stone Ten's performance up a notch, increasing power from 48 to 49 kW (66.5 horsepower) at 6700 rpm and maximum torque, which improves from 73 to 75 Nm at 4900 rpm.

More importantly, the revised V7 delivers performance that I would definitely describe as much more rewarding, even beyond the Moto Guzzi-issued numbers of 51 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 42.8 foot-pounds torque at 5000 rpm.

As for the power figures, the 2014 Moto Guzzi California 1400 Touring had its soul brought to life by a 1,380cc four-stroke V-twin air/oil-cooled engine, boasting 96 hp with a peak force at 6,500 rpm and 121 Nm (89 lb-ft) torque at 2,750 rpm.

Engine. The V7 Racers's 49bhp air-cooled, 744cc, 2v, four-stroke 90° V-twin engine, five-speed gearbox gearbox and shaft drive are all old-generation Moto Guzzi. The drivetrain might not have the power and refinement of their current evolution motorcycles, but its relaxed, throaty character suits this bike perfectly.